|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
February 2004 - We've Been Working On The RailroadBy John D. McAlpineJames Watt, the Scottish inventor, was born in Greenock, near Glascow in 1736 (d.1819). He is best remembered for designing the first energy-efficient steam engine, patented in 1769, which revolutionized production in the iron foundries, cotton mills and weaving factories, thereby contributing greatly to the Industrial Revolution. Watt’s scientific enterprise and vision were wide-ranging, including many inventions as well as research in chemistry and metallurgy. This Scotsman’s name is recognized throughout the world on every light bulb (the watt, a measure of electric power, is named in his honor). The creation of the Watt steam engine also marked a red-letter day in the history of Railroading. Some thirty years later, the first steam railway locomotive was built by Richard Trevelthick of England, who worked with and adapted Watt’s engine. The development of the “iron horse” was the first great transportation innovation of the machine age, which allowed the building of railroads to begin in earnest. Prominent among the names of eminent Scottish engineers responsible for great feats of railroad construction was (later, Sir) Robert McAlpine (1847-1934.) He was better known as “Concrete Bob” for his extensive use of that comparatively new material in constructing the Fort William to Mallaig line in Scotland at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. His firm, Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd., founded in 1869, is one of the United Kingdom’s major building and civil engineering contractors. The McAlpine family still remains fully involved in the company operations. Today, Sir William McAlpine (Sir Robert’s great grandson) is a Director of the family firm, is a noted railway hobbyist who loves and owns steam engines and lends his support to various groups of Railroading enthusiasts. Sir William owns the Fawley Hill Railway and Museum; a garden and railway museum situated on the grounds of his private estate near Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, England. At one time, Sir William owned the world famous steam engine, “The Flying Scotsman.” An excellent British Rail system operates efficiently throughout the United Kingdom and is much favored by the many tourists who make Britain their vacation destination each year. When you make your trip to Britain you could very well be riding on rails laid by a McAlpine. All Aboard! |
|
||